MousePlanet staff writer Steve Russo wrote about his park peeves in a recent article, and when asked to share theirs, readers responded enthusiastically. Here is a sampling, with Steve’s responses.
Jenni writes:
My biggest Park Peeve came on Valentines Day, 2004. My family (all adults) had lined up for the parade along Main Street about twenty minutes early. Since we’re all taller than most kids (I’m pretty short), we decided to stand behind a bench where a mother, a father and their two kids sat waiting for the parade too. Our view was fine and since things were getting crowded we thought it was a great location. We even struck up a nice conversation with the family in front of us.
Then two teenage girls came out of nowhere to stand in front of the kids. They weren’t speaking English so I asked the family if they knew them. They said “no” and were also upset that the girls were blocking their view and even worse, their kids’ view, of the parade.
Fortunately, my mother, who can be politely strong willed, decided to help the family out and asked the girls to please move. They had no clue what she was saying so she used body language to show her they were blocking the kids view. The girls stuck their tongues out at my mom then moved down to sit on the corner (in front of a group of adults). They glared at us during the entire parade!
I still haven’t gotten over the nerves of those two girls!
Thanks for sharing your comments. I had neglected the entire area of rudeness at parades and fireworks. Yours is one of several stories that shows, unfortunately, just how pushy some folks can be. I wish there was an easy solution to these moments.
Bryan writes:
I wanted to point out one of my park peeves: The Counterfeiter. These people don’t pass off money, but they try to pass off phony express tickets. This happens at the Universal parks. Because of the Universal Express system, now every attraction has a gun device that scans tickets. However, for the hotel key cards (which act as Express), we simply hit a button to count them. This still allows people to pick up old key cards and use them as Express. I once caught three male high schoolers with one year old Hard Rock Hotel key cards that said there names were “Lexie, Lisa, and Lindsey”. They weakly made an excuse that they had just gotten them, and then left. Other people try to cover up the date on the Express when we scan it, even though the gun tells you whether the express ticket is not valid that day.
Then there’s the Hygienically Challenged. No, I’m not talking about the stereotypical European vacationers. I’m talking about stuff such as carrying around a toilet for your 2 year old child to do her business in… IN THE MIDDLE OF A QUEUE LINE. I witnessed this at JAWS two days ago and it was disgusting. They wrapped it up and tossed it before getting on the boat. Does anyone know what a bathroom is?
I have not seen the counterfeiter in action although I’ve heard rumors about people printing up phony Fastpasses at Disney. I guess that’s one of the reasons they’re moving to a bar coded Fastpass.
Debbie writes:
Great article, Steve! My pet peeve? When I see someone changing a baby’s diaper outside on a bench at Disneyland, DCA, or anywhere at the Disneyland Resort. Is this sanitary? I sure don’t want to sit on that seat or watch a poopy diaper being changed. CMs must see this going on and don’t say anything about it. How hard would it be to direct them to the nearest bathroom?
You peeve was one of several regarding diaper changing in inappropriate places. You’re right – Disney provides a number of spots for parents to handle these changes without subjecting other guests to it.
Steven writes:
As an AP holder of several years, and a visitor to the WDW parks about 50 times, I’ve seen a lot of things that shock me. I agree with your pet peeves one hundred percent, but I must add on to the list. When my 8 year old was much younger, a stroller was a must. As difficult as the crowds were to manage at times, it never failed that as careful as I was pushing the stroller, someone stepped right in front of me, got their heel clipped by the stroller and made a comment or a look like I did it on purpose.
Oh, also let’s not forget the seniors, who rent the electric scooters, and cannot figure how to drive them, especially in crowds, they ride next to each other, instead of single file. It’s a matter of time before someone sues Disney, because a senior in a scooter, rolled over someone’s foot; it’s almost happened to me several times.
Thanks for writing. I’ve been on both ends of the stroller/wheelchair issue. I’ve pushed both at one time or another and was amazed at the number of people that would cut me off, dart in front of me, etc. I’ve also been walking and been squeezed by two strollers, clipped by one and almost run off the road by a pack of motorized carts. I guess the lesson we all need to take is to be sensitive to those around us – whether we’re walking, riding or pushing.
Joy J. writes:
First off, I want to let you know how much I thoroughly enjoyed your article about park peeves and how much I related to it. We’ve all been there, done that, and have the t-shirt.
I have a couple of pet peeves to add to the list. One of my biggest and I must admit a rather gross one is the large number of park guests who seem to be allergic to flushing a toilet. I realize that the majority of park washrooms have automatic toilets but not all do, plus frequently not everything goes down the drain with the first flush. Would it really hurt folks to take an extra minute or so to make sure that this is taken care of in consideration of the next guest to use the toilet? The same holds true for “dribblers” who don’t clean up after themselves. The worst culprits of the lot are those folks who pile sheets of toilet paper or a toilet seat cover on the toilet seat before using it to protect themselves from all those nasty germs out there and then leave that cover or those toilet paper sheets all over the toilet afterwards so that the next unsuspecting guest can really get a lovely case of germ exposure. I can’t count the number of times when I’ve had to check out several stalls in the women’s washroom before finding one that is usable because of the mess left behind by others. I feel genuinely sorry for the Disney cast members whose job it is to clean up after these thoughtless, selfish guests.
Another thing that bugs me is folks who disregard the concept of lines at the Disney bus stops. You may have been waiting for the bus to arrive for twenty minutes but that won’t stop some late arrivals from charging in front of you in their frantic attempts to make sure they can get a seat.
“Stroller warriors” are another WDW phenomenon that yanks my chain. Most guests with strollers are courteous and thoughtful but then there are those who seem to regard their stroller as a Sherman tank and alas and alack, if you happen to find yourself anywhere near one of these steamrollers, be exceptionally careful or you will actually find yourself literally run over. On one occasion, my son got rammed so hard by one of these overeager stroller wielders that it drew blood on his leg.
I also hate it when I see guests treating WDW cast members discourteously. For me, these talented employees are what make my Disney trips so magical. Innumerable times Disney cast members have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make my vacation as memorable as possible. So, to see these caring, conscientious individuals berated for situations that are usually beyond their control, makes me see red.
Well, I guess that’s enough venting for one day so I’ll step down from my soapbox now. Once again, thanks so much for your entertaining article.
Thank you for writing and for those kind words. You aren’t alone in your feelings about the use of the park facilities. Several others expressed the same concerns.
Your comments about rudeness to cast members struck a nerve with me. That’s something I’ve seen much too often and it’s usually from a guest suffering from the “entitlement mentality” against a cast member just doing their job. It’s just unfortunate.
Roy writes:
This is the single best article on WDW that I’ve ever read! I love the parks, and always have a great time. But so many message boards paint a picture of a 100% perfect environment, and I’ve found myself thinking that I’m the only one annoyed by the rude behavior of other guests. In most cases, I don’t think they’re clueless, I think they’re just rude. I’ve also found that for the most part, common manners towards your fellow humans are gone at WDW. I’ve held the door open for other guests countless times at resorts and parks. I don’t think anyone has ever thanked me. Maybe once or twice someone was going through a door and held it open briefly for us, but typically they let it close right on our face. The one exception to this seems to be people from the south (of the USA, not South America). Almost everyone that I’ve ever had a friendly conversation with at WDW had a southern accent.
Here’s another peeve – large groups of unaccompanied teenagers. My experience with problems with these groups is limited to Brazilian teenagers, but it’s probably the same no matter where the group’s from; I’ve just been there during Brazilian tour season. When a few hundred teenagers stay at a resort or enter an attraction with little or no supervision, here’s a shock – they act like teenagers! Which means screaming (especially in the middle of the night, which ruined our trip to Riverside this past January), pushing (really frustrating when you’re trying to keep your toddlers safe), and cutting in line. It probably wouldn’t have been pretty to see how I’d “stack up” against several hundred teenagers, but on this last trip I was pretty close to finding out.
One more – Disney has this crazy way of making you wait in a holding pen before entering an attraction (think Test Track or Dinosaur), and with no organization you have to leave the room and get in line again. First, show some common courtesy. Second, Disney really should re-evaluate this. I can’t believe that this doesn’t cause riots.
Thanks for writing and… Wow! That’s high praise. I hear you about rudeness – although, in my estimation, it doesn’t tie in with geography. I’ve certainly been victimized by the folks that walk through the door you’re holding without a “Thank you”. In some cases, they’re too busy chatting on the cell phone to even notice. You also make a good point about the “holding pens” at certain attractions. You’re right, it really does come down to “common courtesy”.
Brian S. writes:
Here’s my biggest park peeve – it actually stems from Disneyland and not WDW, but you get the idea: Asian Tour Commandos.
On our last summer visit to Disneyland, there were several Asian tour groups in the park. They were recognizable by the guide holding a banner high in the air at the front of the pack. In their race from attraction to attraction, I personally saw them nearly knock two little old ladies to the ground (who yelled after them that “excuse me” works just fine) and in another instance did, in fact, knock my son to the ground completely spilling his fresh “Fantasia Freeze”. I realize in Asia you have to fight through crowds to get where you’re going, but this is a theme park!
It seems that large groups, be they Asian, South American, Pop Warner players, Cheerleaders, or the Sisters of Mercy (just kidding there) can present a problem. There’s something about people becoming more discourteous when they’re part of a group – but that’s another article.
Mike writes:
I was reading your article on Park pet peeves and wanted to share mine. As much as I love “The World” there is one thing that drives me nuts. That one thing is what I call the parade saver.
The parade saver finds some prime choice of real estate about an hour before the parade and then defends it like a lion defending his territory. Usually the parade saver is known as “Mom” but not always. In any case the parade saver loudly and forcefully prevents anyone from approaching “their spot” along the parade route. Meanwhile, the rest of the parade’s saver group (which includes a quarter of the population of Georgia based upon the size she is blocking off) is somewhere else having fun.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not including the groups where the kids have to go the bathroom 10 minutes before the parade and have to be lead off by a parent- I’m talking the folks who are off riding Space Mountain until the last possible second before the parade.
It just makes me go ARGH!
Thanks for sharing. Yours was one of several regarding Parade Savers (or Fireworks Savers if you prefer). I do agree it’s a problem.
Dan S. writes:
In June 2007 we had planned a trip from our home in Connecticut to Disneyland. A few days before our trip I suffered a back injury (thank goodness only temporary), and was unable to walk without severe pain. Rather than postpone the trip, I rented a scooter to get around. It didn’t take long to realize I had become “invisible” to my fellow guests (the cast members could see me and were wonderful)! People would run past me and cut in front of me just inches from being run over. They would form “clots” and not move until my wife would ask them to move. Also, if I happened to find a place to view the parade or fireworks people would come just minutes or seconds before the start and stand right in front of me. This is the first time I have been “invisible” and since I have recovered from my injury I am much more sensitive to other “invisible” people.
I’ve been on both sides of the stroller/wheelchair issue – I’ve pushed them and been hit by them and often say that a little common sense on both sides is all that’s needed. Thanks for writing.
Jennifer writes:
I’m so happy to see I’m not the only one who feels this same way! The only other thing I would add is when going on dark rides, there is inevitably someone clicking away with their flash cameras or cell phones after the recording explicitly states “no flash pictures”. I always end up on the boat with everyone snapping pictures of everything!
From the number of responses I’ve received it’s safe to say… We’re not alone! I agree about the flash pictures. It’s a note I’ve made for a future article. I find it particularly bad on Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.
John W. writes:
I loved your article on Park Peeves and have personally experienced every type of walker you mentioned. The dead stoppers are the worst as they seem to stop for no logical reason. I’ve even been behind those who are menu-ally challenged and just had to bite my tongue and write it off as “people being people” as you put it. I like the distinction you made between your first two categories and the last. Unfortunately, many of the behaviors you describe in the last category are becoming more and more prevalent in a me-first culture.
If you think saving rows for Fantasmic! is bad, try maneuvering around Frontierland in Disneyland after four pm when the blankets start to spread and one person is saving space for a group of 10 or more! Line Cutter-1 is so widespread that I feel like it happens on every other ride I’m on.
There’s another category of stopper that happens at the main gate. I don’t know what to call it, but it is the person or group that decides to stop and ask the CM at the turnstile as many questions and they can think of about the park, attractions, parades, etc. oblivious to the people behind them who just want to get in. It’s too late to switch lines and you’re at the mercy of a very nice CM who wants to be helpful and someone who picked the wrong place to start asking a bunch of questions.
There’s also another category of line cutter, again at the main gate. These people just don’t see the need to wait in line. There’s obviously a long line of people waiting to get in, but rather than go to the back, they parade up to the front, act like they’re with a group just in front of you or act like they want to cut across your line, but then just stay where they are like it was no big deal and hand their pass to the CM oblivious to the folks behind them who can’t believe the selfishness of their behavior.
I try not to let such experiences ruin my Disney Zone, but sometimes you just gotta vent.
I know exactly what you mean about the person asking all the questions at the turnstile. I seem to find that almost everywhere – at the cash register, bank, etc. Where it drives me really crazy is trying to get on the NYS Thruway. I’m waiting to get through the toll both, just picking up a ticket, and the person in front is having a 5-minute discussion. It can’t be for directions because there’s only 2 choices – north or south!
Chris H. writes:
Don’t forget the RAIN-ON-YOUR-PARADERS. After staking out a good spot for the parade so that your kids can view and you can get great video and pictures, someone squeezes in front of the view or your whole family. I’ve experienced this by both the young and the old, small and large, with and without a stroller.
Also, the Scooter-Overs. These are the folk that rent motorized scooters (legitimately or not) that may be at the back of the bus line, but get to go on first and make sure you have to catch the next bus because their family of 12 must ride with them.
I’ve had lots of responses from people talking about problems at the parades and fireworks shows so you’re not alone.
Judith P. writes:
I’ve seen (or have done!) most of these grievous things at Disney World also, Steve. I get a kick out of “the picture takers.” You’ve seen them – the person with the camera 20 feet away from his subjects trying to take the photo while hundreds of people walk by to ruin it, unintentionally. Come on! Get closer or wait for a better time.
I also don’t like loud mouth parents disciplining their children in a loud, disrespectful way. I actually heard one mother, after posing her restless group in front of the castle, shout, “We’re in the happiest place on earth, damn it, you better smile NOW!” Yikes!
Once, I did sit “halfway” in Philharmagic. It wasn’t crowded at all. But the cast member told me to move down. I started acting like I was 5! I stubbornly arose and sat in another spot, feeling embarrassed. Looking back, I can’t believe I acted that way! Blame it on: Tired, hungry, or it’s my last day and I’m deeply depressed. Steve, have you read “5 days at Disney” by Seth Stevenson? Google it and read it, it is food for thought. I don’t care if people think I am crazy, our family goes to WDW for all our vacations, and we love it every time! Even 4-6 months between trips seems like an eternity!
Good one. I had forgotten about the “picture takers”. I haven’t read ‘5 Days at Disney’ but I will give it a look.
